3.04.2013

My Search for the Best Breastfeeding Supplement

Disclaimer: This post is not intended to judge those who choose not to or cannot breastfeed. I am not an expert. This
post is just a collection of breastfeeding supplements based from my
personal experience. This is just my simple way to support those who
choose to breastfeed or those who support breastfeeding as well.

This is a long post by the way. :-)

I have been breastfeeding my son for 16 months now. And we're still counting! Yey! I'm just so happy that I am able to provide this precious liquid gold for my little one as I consider it as one of the best gifts I have ever given him.

I am a SAHM and I guess I'm not supposed to be too worried about my milk supply because I'm with my son 24/7 and he directly nurses from me whenever, wherever (yes, I nurse in public) and however he wants (he twiddles, he has nursing antics and he does "acrobats" while nursing, LOL!) . But, I still feel at ease if I take supplements. You see, I went thru all these paranoia when I was starting to breastfeed him and I was still employed because I almost lost my supply. Story on that here. Thank God, I made it!

So far, I have tried quite a number of breastfeeding supplements already. My search led me to some which worked its wonders, others unfortunately did not. I listed the breastfeeding supplements I have used and hopefully this could help other nursing moms and those who are still pregnant too. I know every mother is different but I am still glad to share this. :-)

Order based on effectiveness, based solely from my experience.

1. Malungai Life Oil

This is the one I am currently using. I have been using it for I think four months already and so far, I am very satisfied. It really does help in increasing my supply. Although, it's quite pricey at Ph990 for 60 capsules, I can say that it's really worth the price. It has a lot more to offer than just increasing milk supply. I started taking 2 capsules a day then when I was satisfied with its effect on my supply, I decreased it to once a day as maintenance. Thanks to my former officemate who introduced this to me. I usually buy it from Mercury Drug or Watsons. According to their website:

Not all
malunggay/moringa supplements are created equal. Most capsules contain
only dried powdered leaves rather than oil. This leads to variations in
quality and the strength of the nutrients you are taking in. Life Oil
is the ONLY oil-form malunggay supplement in the Philippine market.

Life Oil is concentrated.
This means that your body absorbs and distributes more nutrients, more
effectively, than from powder capsules.

Life Oil has a more potent antioxidant than powder, making it more stable.

You can check out more about the health benefits of Malungai Life Oilhere.

I
started using this when I was 35-36 weeks pregnant. My OB prescribed
this to me in preparation for my breastfeeding journey. I like the fact
that this product also contains folic acid. I stopped using this supplement after giving birth, when I was already
breastfeeding. When I went back to work and I noticed that my milk
supply was dropping despite regularly pumping milk at work, I texted my
OB if I can take it again. She said yes. So, I took it again for a few
weeks. Yes, just a few weeks. Not because it wasn't effective. It was
effective. Just that whenever I go to the drug store to buy, it's almost
always out of stock. Sad. I regularly buy this at Mercury
Drug for I think not more than Ph20 per capsule. I forgot the exact
price, I think it's around Ph16-17 per capsule. Quite expensive too,
yes?

Nu
Moms is a food supplement that contains Malunggay that enriches immune
system, improves the skin, helps sharpen eyesight, boost energy and
strengthens the bones. It also helps prevent cancer and anemia. Aside
from Malunggay, it also contains Folic Acid that nourishes and maintains
the heart.

I used this for like 6 or 7 months before I shifted to Malungai Life Oil. This, too, has been very effective to me. Actually, at first I have no idea what Fenugreek was. I was just looking for ways on the web on how I can increase my milk supply and I happen to always read about Fenugreek. I didn't even know where to get one. Then I read somewhere that Healthy Options sells this so that's where I got mine. I forgot the exact price but I think this is around Ph600 more or less. One bottle contains 100 capsules.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) appears to be the herb
that is most often used to increase milk supply. It has been reported
to be an excellent galactagogue for some mothers, and has been used as
such for centuries.

Mothers generally notice an increase in production 24-72 hours after
starting the herb, but it can take two weeks for others to see a change.
Some mothers do not see a change in milk production when taking
fenugreek.

Fenugreek has been used either short-term to boost milk supply or
long-term to augment supply and/or pumping yields. There are no studies
indicating problems with long-term usage. Per Kathleen Huggins “Most
mothers have found that the herb can be discontinued once milk
production is stimulated to an appropriate level. Adequate production is
usually maintained as long as sufficient breast stimulation and
emptying continues”. Fenugreek has been used traditionally to treat diabetes, coughs,
congestion, bronchitis, fever, high blood pressure, headaches/migraines,
diarrhea, flatulence, anaemia, irregular menstrual cycles and
arthritis, to ease labor pains and menstruation pain, and as an appetite
stimulant. Fenugreek has also been used as an external poultice to
control inflammation and dandruff.

You can read more about Fenugreek here. 4. Traditional Medicinals Mother's Milk Tea

Actually, I used this together with Fenugreek. I know, this contains Fenugreek too but I decided to still drink it because it has other galactagogue ingredients which could help increase milk supply. About the taste, well it is slightly bitter but somewhat sweet at the same time. It is almost the same as any herbal tea, just that this one tastes a little bit more pleasant in my opinion. I love its taste as it also makes me feel relaxed. I know it says in the label to drink at least 3 cups a day but I normally would drink this just once a day. I stopped drinking this tea I think 2 months ago. I'm content with just Life Oil. I purchase this from Healthy Options. I think this is around Ph250 more or less. One box contains 16 wrapped tea bags.

While your bundle of joy is probably causing you no end of delight, moms
can also feel overwhelmed and tired, especially when it comes to
breastfeeding. We love the fact that this herbal tea has traditionally
been used to help mothers support their production of breast milk and to
promote healthy lactation. With herbs like fennel, anise (which give
the tea a sweet, licorice-like taste), coriander and fenugreek, each sip
is like stepping into a tradition that has been passed down from woman
to woman for hundreds of years.

I love the fact that this tea also contains blessed thistle, which is also a known galactagogue.

When
I came back to work, I didn't have any idea about breastfeeding food
supplements. Nu-moms was the only supplement I knew but I thought it can
only be taken before giving birth so you can produce breastmilk.
(That's the reason why I texted my OB first before taking it again). I
started reading and researching about how to increase milk supply
because I was so paranoid I'd lose it. I couldn't afford losing my supply because I wanted to breastfeed my baby so bad. I found out about Pro
Lacta and read good reviews. When I went to Medela House when I bought
my Medela PISA breastpump, they also suggested Pro Lacta.

At
first, it was effective. I'm just not sure why in the long run, I didn't feel its effect anymore. My milk supply was the same. Not
increasing despite the regular pumping in the office and direct nursing
at home. But overall, I can say that this supplement is effective. I
guess I didn't take enough to feel the increase. I just took one to two
capsules a day. Some moms say that they take around 2 capsules after
every meal to experience its effect. So, meaning, that's 6 capsules a
day.

I purchase Pro Lacta from Mercury Drug. Forgot again how much but I think it's around Ph7 to Ph8 per capsule, more or less.

Pro Lacta is a dietary supplement for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Natal
nutrition supplement. Enhances breastmilk production among nursing
mothers.

6. Yogi Women's Nursing Support Tea

Actually, I tried this product just once. When I went to Healthy Options to buy Mother's Milk Tea, I saw this and it was a little bit more affordable than Mother's Milk Tea. I thought, why not try this one as it is also herbal anyway and has almost the same content compared with Mother's Milk Tea. This box also contains 16 wrapped tea bags.

I didn't buy this again as I felt like it was not effective on me. But, mommies, please don't base your judgment on my experience alone, okay? :-)

As I said, each mother is different. This product might be effective on others.

In my humble opinion, I like the taste of Mother's Milk Tea better. Also, I checked the label and it doesn't contain blessed thistle, one known galactagogue.

Breastfeeding can create such a wonderful and essential connection with
your baby. That's why we created Woman's Nursing Support. Our all
organic blend includes refreshing Fennel, Fenugreek and Anise, three
herbs that have been traditionally used by herbalists to help promote
lactation. We then add Chamomile, for its sweet, apple-like fragrance
and aromatic, soothing Lavender Flower-herbs traditionally used to
support relaxation as well as to help soothe the minor stomach upset
that sometimes accompanies nursing. Find comfort one delicious sip at a
time.

I'm not sure if it has the same manufacturer as the Traditional Medicinals Mother's Milk Tea. I just noticed that the packaging of both products almost looked the same.

One day, when I went to Mercury Drug to buy Nu-moms and it was out of stock, this was the first supplement that came into my mind to buy as a substitute. I didn't know about Pro Lacta then. Some breastfeeding moms I know use this. And I have also been reading testimonials about this on the web. But, honestly, I didn't feel its effect on me at all despite regular pumping in the office. Sad. I don't know, maybe it's just me again. I might not have taken the enough dosage for me to feel its effect.

Natalac is available at Mercury Drug too. Natalac is tiny bit priced higher than Pro Lacta but Natalac contains just around 250 mg of malunggay compared to 350 mg in Pro Lacta.

Aside
from food supplements, there are also a lot more known galactagogues that you
can try. Oat meal for one is a galactagogue. When I was still
working, I would always bring oatmeal for snack in the office. Malunggay (the vegetable) of course, is a galactagogue. I love tinola with malunggay! Also, always hydrate yourself by drinking enough water to maintain your supply. :-)

Wait, for those who are asking what a galactagogue is. Well, a galactagogue is a substance that increases milk supply. It comes from the Greek word galactos which means “milk” and agogue meaning "bringer of".

Important Note: This I learned from this journey. The best way to increase milk supply is still direct nursing. If you feel that your milk supply is low, you may take galactagogue in combination with increased nursing or pumping to increase your milk supply.

So, there. It was a long journey, but definitely worth it. Just be determined if you really want to give the best liquid gold for your baby.

32 comments
:

Hi, Van! I am not so sure breastfeeding moms know this, but when I was nursing my boy seven years ago, I came upon a site (i think it was kellymom and the other one was a canadian lactating doctor site) which suggests domperidone (or motillium sa local markets) as an aid for lactation. Eto yung med for the belly if di ka natunawan. But in Canada, this is approved as a lactation agent because as a side effect, milk production increases by increasing prolactin production by the pituitary gland. I did try this before, since I was a working mom and breastfeeding my boy full time, but not always though. And it did give me lots of milk then.

thanks, sis! glad domperidone worked for you. actually, i was and i still am afraid to try motillium as a breastfeeding supplement. kasi di ba para siyang prescription drug, hihi! although I know a few moms who take this and yes, they're successful in increasing their supply. i think i read it too from kellymom. thanks for sharing, sis. at least alam ko okay talaga siya. might try that if ever di na okay ang life oil for me. :-)

you're welcome, sis. my pleasure. i'm happy to be of help. this is just my way of supporting other breastfeeding mom like me para naman, kahit man lang based from my own experience, eh maishare ko what supplement worked and works for me. goodluck on your breastfeeding journey, sis! tuloy tuloy lang and your supply will increase. basta, try your best to direct feed, coupled with supplement, that worked for me. btw, i'm still loyal with life oil until now. siya pa rin best so far based on my experience. :-)

For the other supplements I mentioned above, I honestly have no idea. But based on my experience, I took it a few months after I gave birth when I was still struggling to increase my milk supply. As for the Nu-moms Supplement, it was prescribed by my OB when I was around 35-36 weeks pregnant. It was effective for me as I was producing milk (colostrum) already even before I gave birth. I know some moms didn't produce milk until after a few days after giving birth.

My baby is now 2 years old and we're still very much into it. Still breastfeeding and I plan to breastfeed him for as long as he wants. :-)

After I gave birth, I still continued taking calcium and iron supplements pero inubos ko lang yung remaining ko, after that I stopped na. For me lang ha, enough na yung Life Oil sa akin. :-) I guess it depends on your needs, sis, and depends on what your OB will advice you din. :-)

I just gave birth 2 weeks ago. I tried breastfeeding for a a straight week, but eventually gave up since my new born didnt have a good latch which caused me severr pain and cracked nipples during nursing. The moment I gave her the artificial nipple, she doesn't want to go back to breastfeeding anymore. I still pump milk tho but has not gone past 3oz each time I pump. I am on PROLACTA 3x a day but it does not help that much. I still try offering my breasts daily, but it leads to frustrations on both baby and me. Thanks for the list, I'll try other options mentioned :-)

Sorry for the super late response. Based on your comment last April, you gave birth just two weeks ago. Sis, all the articles I have read said not to pump until 6 weeks after giving birth. You have to establish your supply first by means of just continuously letting your baby latch on you properly. 3 oz is quite a lot actually for someone who just gave birth two weeks ago. You see, a newborn baby's tummy is just the size of a calamansi so you don't need so much much. Your body will produce what your child needs as long as you just continue letting him latch on you. Breastfeeding, as they say, follows the law of supply and demand. :-) Good luck sis. I hope you are able to continue to breastfeed your baby. :-)

When I was still trying to increase my milk supply, I took two caps daily (not at the same time though. Forgot exactly but I think I took one in the morning and one in the evening). Then when I was feeling the effect already and saw that my milk supply started to increase, I just took one capsule daily. :-)

Im a working mom and my baby is 11 months old. I observed that my milk supply is dropping so i took the time searching for possible solutions and i came across your writing. I will surely try life oil. I hope it has the same effect as you have experienced... Thank you so much

Im a working mom and my baby is 11 months old. I observed that my milk supply is dropping so i took the time searching for possible solutions and i came across your writing. I will surely try life oil. I hope it has the same effect as you have experienced... Thank you so much

Hi Sis Van! Need your help po.. I was out of the country for 3weeks but I brought my breastpump with me. Been breastfeeding my baby for 4mos. But when I got back, she doesn't want to BF on me. Totally she is crying pa talaga everytime I try to BF her :( When I was also out of Philippines, sad to say, I was not able to pump all the time due to my busy sched. So ang engorgement nawala and right now every time I pump, as in little drops nalang.

Could you please help advice me on how can I make my baby back to BF on me again? And I will try to take Malungai LifeOil too, hopefully I can still regain my milk production.

Hi Sis Van! Need your help po.. I was out of the country for 3weeks and I brought my breastpump with me. Been breastfeeding my baby for 4mos. But when I got back, she doesn't want to BF on me. Totally she is crying pa talaga everytime I try to BF her :( When I was also out of Philippines, sad to say, I was not able to pump all the time due to my busy sched. So ang engorgement nawala and right now every time I pump, as in little drops nalang.

Could you please help advice me on how can I make my baby back to BF on me again? And I will try to take Malungai LifeOil too, hopefully I can still regain my milk production.

Oh, I am so sorry for the late reply. I only saw your comment just now.

That's sad to hear. It's really important to still continuously pump when you're away from the baby so as to maintain your supply. Always remember that breastfeeding follows the law of supply and demand, so the more you pump, the more that the brain will think that your milk is needed, thus your body will produce more milk.

I hope you got your supply back by now. I am no expert but I guess one way to get your baby back to breastfeeding again is just to continue properly latching her on you. You can probably try skin to skin contact with your baby when you both are probably alone inside your room. Mommy Tweeny, you may want to join us over at the Breastfeeding Pinays Facebook page. You will surely learn so much more about breastfeeding there. Lots of breastfeeding moms like us will support you on your journey. :-)

Thank you for this post, Miss Van. My baby is 5 months old and I breastfed her for only two months for my milk supply just dropped when I came back to work (I'm away for 8hours x 6days). And then, I came across with this site "Kellymom" and learned that Relactation is possible. I tried taking domperidone (motilium) and noticed that my milk is getting back. But then, I had to take a medication for my UTI and until now wala pa din. :( But I didn't stop looking for help/answer and thank goodness I found your post. This is really helpful. If I may just ask. Where did you buy your Medela pump and Fenugreek supplement. It seems wala kasi dito sa Bicol. Thank you very much.

Thanks for dropping by, Mommy. I bought my Medela PISA directly from the Medela House (29 1st St., New Manila, Quezon City), while the Fenugreek naman I always buy from Healthy Options (SM branches/Watsons). I think meron din nagbebenta online, sis, but unfortunately I am not familiar with the stores. :-(

Goodluck on your journey, Mommy Malou. Carry on with your intention to relactate, it may be challenging but it's very possible. You may want to join the facebook group of Breastfeeding Pinays. Just search it on FB, you will be able to learn a lot about breastfeeding there. Hope to see you there. :-)

Hi! I just gave birth 2 weeks ago and unfortunately my milk supply has not improved. I have been constantly feeding my baby every 2 hours and would pump after too. I'm also taking fenugreek 3x a day and mother's milk tea 2x a day. But even with those, i can just pump max of 1.5oz. Need help! would want to purely breastfeed my boy but ut seems i dont have enough milk to sustain

I am no expert but based on what I read and from my own experience also, it would be better if you nurse on demand. Do not time your nursing session, as long as your baby wants to nurse, go and let him. Unlilatch dapat since you are still in the period of stabilizing your milk supply. You mentioned that you just gave birth 2 weeks ago. I suggest sis, don't pump yet. It's better if you pump on the 6th week, This is because you are still stabilizing your supply at this stage, so while you're on your 2nd week pa lang, better direct feed muna than pump. :-)

In my humble opinion, your supply is just enough for your baby. You see, a newborn baby's stomach is just the size of a cherry or a calamansi, so just imagine how much milk you need to fill that small a tummy. :-)

Just continue what you started and don't resort to formula as much as possible. You will soon stabilize your supply as long as you nurse on demand (unlilatch), since breastfeeding "follows" the principle of law of supply and demand, thus the more you nurse, the more your brain will signal to your body to produce more milk. :-)

Hi Van, I'm a soon-to-be mom again and I am glad to come across your reviews on probably the best breast milk enhancing supplements we have nowadays. I have taken down notes on each of them and hoping one of them will also do wonders for me soon :)

Thank you for your wonderful reviews on different supplements. I am a working mom and spends most of my time away from my baby. I noticed that my breast milk production has been declining. Good thing I saw this post and some of the comments, I learned a lot. Hope it will do wonders for me. Thank you :)